Author: patrick

KWGA Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Open

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The Kansas Women’s Golf Association Memorial Scholarship was established January 1, 2018 to commemorate and continue the KWGA Scholarship. This scholarship awarded college/university scholarships from 1991 through 2017. The KWGA Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more Kansas high school seniors or graduates of a Kansas high school who are enrolled as a full-time student of an accredited college or university.

Applications for the KWGA Memorial Scholarship are now open! All applications/supporting materials become the property of the KWGA Memorial Scholarship Committee and MUST BE postmarked on or before March 30, 2018 and mailed by U.S. Mail to:

Karen Exon, Committee Chair, KWGA Memorial Scholarship
2310 SW Mayfair Place
Topeka, KS 66611
Phone – 785.633.2723
Email – karenexon01@gmail.com

Please see the following link for more detailed information such as eligibility and requirements for applications:

KWGA Memorial Scholarship

New Advocacy Group Established by Western Golf Association and Leading Golf Organizations Promotes Youth Caddying

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WGA partners with World Golf Foundation and other organizations on Carry the Game initiative to create more opportunities for youth to work as caddies, learn the game of golf

GOLF, Ill. – Together with a number of leading golf organizations, the Western Golf Association (WGA) announces today a groundbreaking initiative centered around promoting youth caddying and golf called Carry the Game.

Carry the Game is an advocacy group that introduces young students to the game of golf by creating additional opportunities for them to train and work as caddies and encourages them to become lifelong players.

Through caddying, young people learn valuable life lessons, develop a strong work ethic and money management skills, and make professional contacts on the golf course. In addition to being a great way to learn about the game, caddying provides life-changing benefits that are instrumental to their individual growth.

Carry the Game operates under the organizational umbrella of the WGA; participants in the effort include the World Golf Foundation, United States Golf Association, PGA of America, The First Tee and Youth on Course, among other groups. This special collaboration to promote the role of youth caddying within the game of golf will help ensure Carry the Game’s long-term success while encouraging a new generation of young golfers to play the game.

“Over the past few years, numerous leading golf organizations have discussed the importance of creating a governing body for youth caddying, and we’re excited to see that the WGA is spearheading this important initiative,” said World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona. “The WGA is a recognized leader in youth caddying, and we’re all looking forward to working together to help bring this effort to life.”

Carry the Game will be a resource for anyone interested in becoming a caddie or forming a youth caddie program. In 2018, the group will begin an extensive research project to provide qualitative data on the current state of youth caddying and inform the initiative’s work.

The overall goal of Carry the Game is to increase the number of youth caddies – and the diversity of those caddies – by helping to establish additional caddying opportunities at golf clubs nationwide. Carry the Game will also promote youth caddie programs as a way to create future golfers and preserve and enhance the tradition of caddying within the game of golf.

It will offer resources including caddie training materials and certification, a caddie club locator, best practices on creating and managing programs, media and public relations support, and knowledge and expertise on all caddie-related topics.

“Through Carry the Game, our goal is to provide young people with an early introduction to golf by creating life-changing opportunities to work as a caddie,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “Ultimately, we believe the experiences and mentorship gained through caddying are invaluable to a young person’s development and will help cultivate a lifelong passion for playing golf. Some of golf’s greatest players, as well as many of the world’s most successful executives, emerged from the caddie ranks. We look forward to supporting current and future caddies as they continue the legacy of a game so beloved and carry it forward for years to come.”

Carry the Game will also share and promote local and national caddie scholarship opportunities and resources. 

Club Champion Now Open in the Kansas City

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Club Champion Now Open in the Kansas City Area

Golfers Choose from 35,000 Head & Shaft Combinations

Willowbrook, IL — Club Champion, the country’s #1 premium golf club fitting and building company, announces the opening of its new Kansas City fitting studio in Overland Park, Kansas at 7400 W. 121st Street.

Club Champion fits, sells, and builds custom golf clubs constructed from clubheads, shafts, and grips from the best brands in golf including Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist, PXG, Fujikura, Golf Pride and many more. The company delivers a Tour-quality fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots, with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate for golfers of any ability level.

The new location features approximately 3,000 square feet of space and has been designed to showcase Club Champion’s premium fitting experience and 35,000 hittable clubhead and shaft combinations. The studio includes two indoor hitting bays with Trackman launch monitors for analyzing performance, a SAM PuttLab’s fitting system to find the perfect putter on their practice green, and a build shop for repairing and assembling golf clubs by hand.

“We are excited to bring the finest club fitting and building to the Kansas City area,” said Joe Lee, CEO and president of Club Champion. “Our approach is unbiased, with no promotion of any specific vendors. Our only goal is to find the best combination of components to help customers hit longer, more accurate shots, and lower their scores and enjoy the game more.”

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters eight years running, Club Champion hires experienced fitters who then receive an additional 150+ hours of training before starting their job; unmatched in the golf industry. The company has a unique coupling system that allows them to combine any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination to be custom built for them. They are the only fitter in the country to offer 35,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations on-site, at all locations. Golfers get to hit the exact club that will be custom built for them.

Says Lee, “Our unrivaled fitters and demo options generate unmatched results. A recent Golf Magazine study showed our average customer gained 22 yards off the tee, 15 yards with their irons and lowered their scores by 3 strokes. Many players think they aren’t good enough to be custom fit. But the study showed that higher-handicappers saw the biggest gains. Some of these golfers gained as much as 25 more yards with their drivers and shaved as many as 10 strokes per round.”

 

With advances in club technology, most golfers could easily hit the ball farther and more accurately, yet a Golf Magazine study found that 90% of US golfers may be playing with improperly fit clubs. Club Champion endorser and world-renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter stated, “It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they’re right for them. Whether you’re a great golfer or a casual one, getting a custom club fitting is one of the quickest ways to improve your game.”

To celebrate the new opening, for a limited time (see website for details), the Kansas City store will offer 50% off full bag fittings, normally $350 (now $175), and 33% off driver, fairway wood, long game, hybrid, wedge, and putter fittings. This store opening special will run until March 31, 2018. The studio is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  More information on the company can be found at www.clubchampiongolf.com or by calling (888) 340-7820.

 About Club Champion

Established in 2010, Club Champion is a national club fitting and building company headquartered in Chicago, IL. The company currently has 28 studios in major markets across the country and will be adding 11 new locations by Summer 2018. The studios carry all the top golf club, shaft, and grip manufacturers in the industry, which allows for 35,000+ equipment combinations for customers to trial. Studios are equipped with advanced analysis technology with highly trained certified fitters and builders that must complete an extensive training program. Services include custom fitting and building for all club purchases, repair services, personalization, and highly engaging corporate and personal entertainment events. For more information about Club Champion, visit www.clubchampiongolf.com.

The 2018 Kansas City Golf Show is Coming Up!

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Kansas City Golf Show • Feb. 16-18 • Overland Park Convention Center

The Kansas City Golf Show returns to the Overland Park Convention Center, Feb. 16-18, 2018, with even more great deals, fun activities, incredible giveaways, and the largest gathering golf retailers and exhibitors under one roof in the entire state! This is our biggest year yet! Get fitted and take advantage of the seasons lowest on name-brand clubs and equipment from the industry’s top manufacturers, be the first to try out hot new clubs for free on an indoor driving range. Play fun skills contests featuring thousands of dollars in prizes, take a free lesson from a top PGA pro, or visit special areas for golf travel and other exciting activities. In addition, attendees will receive a front door goody bag including free rounds of golf and more! For more information, visit http://kansascitygolfshow.com/.

KCGA/KGA Announce Women’s Player of the Year Awards Beginning in 2018

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The Kansas City Golf Association and the Kansas Golf Association have announced a joint effort to present Women’s Player of the Year Awards beginning in 2018.  Three new awards will be presented based on performance in KCGA and KGA women’s competitions throughout the year – Women’s Player of the Year, Senior Women’s Player of the Year, and Junior Girls’ Player of the Year.  Points will be earned for the awards in KCGA Regional Championships, KGA State Championships, KCGA StateLine Amateur Tour, KGA Mid-Am/Senior Series, KCGA Junior Tour, KJGA Junior Tour, and USGA qualifiers/championships.

The best eight totals for each player will be counted toward the player of the year award.  With the collaboration of the KCGA and KGA to create these awards, there will be more than 30 competitions available in each award category.  Points will be awarded for both individual and team events.

The Women’s Player of the Year Award will be presented at the awards luncheon of either the 2019 Kansas Women’s Amateur or The Prairie Invitational.  The Senior Women’s Player of the Year Award will be presented at the 2019 Kansas Women’s Senior/Super Senior awards luncheon.  The Junior Girls’ Player of the Year Award will be presented at the 2019 Kansas Junior Amateur Championship if the winner is still eligible to compete, or at the Kansas Women’s Amateur/The Prairie Invitational if the winner is no longer a junior golfer.

Standings will be updated on both the KGA and KCGA websites at the completion of each event.  We look forward to identifying three deserving recipients over the course of this season.

Click Here For Details of the Points System

Click Here for Point Tables

Remembering Randy Apgar

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The Kansas City golf community lost another great friend on Friday morning, as Randy Apgar lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Apgar, who served as KCGA president in 2010 and 2011, was considered one of the best players in the city for many years.

In addition to Randy’s playing accomplishments, he brought an infectious love of the game that influenced many people.

”I grew up working at Hillcrest Country Club in the late 90’s,” said KCGA E.D. Doug Habel, “and Randy was a big influence on me. Nobody had more passion for not only the game of golf, but for the lessons the game of golf can teach you as a person.”

Services for Randy will be at Connection Point Church in Lee’s Summit at 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 2nd.

Click here, to see the obituary.

Your KCGA Membership Now Includes Eligibility for Kansas Golf Association Men’s/Women’s Championships

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As we wind down a great 2017 season, we would like to make you aware of some changes you will be seeing to your GHIN Handicap service in the coming weeks and months.  These steps are the first of some very exciting advancements to handicapping that will take place over the next three seasons.  Your handicap service will continue as it always has, but it will look a little different.  As a part of the USGA’s plan to streamline its operations for golfers and clubs, GHIN services will be strategically placed with the Kansas City Golf Association for all clubs in the Kansas City Metro and the state of Kansas.

What changes will golfers see?

Current KCGA members will see no changes.  Handicap services will continue uninterrupted, and you will continue to receive GHIN update newsletters on the 1st and 15th of each month.  For current KGA/KWGA members, these newsletters, along with your mobile app and kiosk will look a little different with the KCGA logo starting on December 1, 2017.  Your handicap index is still issued by your home or online club and handicap committee, and they will be your first point of contact when you have questions regarding your handicap index.

What does this mean for golfers?

  • All golfers will now be members of both the Kansas Golf Association and the Kansas City Golf Association.
  • All golfers will be eligible to compete in tournaments conducted by both the Kansas Golf Association and the Kansas City Golf Association as well as the USGA.
  • For current KWGA members, handicap fees will be paid through your club staff or handicap chairperson if you are a club/facility member or through eClubhouse; no more women’s club dues or individual membership dues – one-stop shopping.
  • No need to have separate handicap chairs for men and women – one committee for each club or facility will oversee handicaps for men, women, and junior golfers.
  • Your newsletter will now have news, information, championship registration, and tournament results for all of Kansas and the KC Metro.

What does this mean for my golf club?

  • Billing will be consolidated so that each facility receives only one bill for men, women, and juniors.
  • All service for handicaps and other related items will be handled in one office – no need for them to call someone different for men’s handicaps and women’s handicaps.
  • Course rating will be consolidated so that teams rate golf courses for men and women at the same time – changes are easier to present to members/patrons and keep current on scorecards and other printed materials.

What does this mean for the KGA/KWGA?

You have probably received communication regarding the recently approved KGA/KWGA merger to be effective on January 1, 2018.  The newly-merged Kansas Golf Association will continue to provide excellent championships, junior golf programs, and other services for all golfers in the state of Kansas.  If your club had been receiving handicap services from the KGA or KWGA previously, your handicap fees will still support the Kansas Golf Association in the same manner as in prior years.

 

The staffs of both the Kansas Golf Association and the Kansas City Golf Association look forward to working together to serve golfers and promote golf in Kansas and Kansas City going forward.

Please contact Jacque Madison at the Kansas City Golf Association with any questions you may have regarding handicap service. (913)649-5242, x2 or jacque@kcgolf.org

Stone Canyon Golf Club Wins 2017 Kansas City Cup!

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The Kansas City Cup Championship was held October 27, 2017 at The Golf Club of Creekmoor. Stone Canyon and Lawrence CC faced off in brutal weather conditions. Temperatures were in the mid 40’s and high winds made it a challenge for both teams. Here are the results:

Match

Chapman Alternate Shot—Stone Canyon def. LCC 3&1

Senior Handicap Single—LCC def. Stone Canyon 7&5

Senior Singles—LCC def. Stone Canyon 1-up

Open Singles—Stone Canyon def. LCC 5&3

Open Net Singles—Stone Canyon def. LCC 2&1

Handicap Four-Ball #1—Stone Canyon def. LCC 6&5

Professional/Amateur Four-Ball—Stone Canyon def. LCC 1-up

Four-Ball—LCC def. Stone Canyon 4&3

Handicap Four-Ball #2—Stone Canyon def. LCC 3&1

Mid-Am/Senior Four-Ball—HALVED

 

Congratulations to our 2017 Kansas City Cup Champions – Stone Canyon Golf Club!

 

Ulrich Wins KC Masters

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The Kansas City Masters was held Wednesday and Thursday, October 25-26, 2017 at Blue Hills Country Club. Park Ulrich fired a two-day total of six-under par, to win the invitational by four shots. His first round 68, included six birdies and was the low round of the tournament. Ulrich played very steady golf both days, making nine birdies in total with only three bogies. Doug Albers finished in second place with two consecutive rounds of one-under, 71. Travis Mays took third place after firing rounds of 73 and 74, respectively. Steve Groom took home low senior honors with scores of 73, 75.

KCGA retains Mid-America Junior Cup

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The Mid-America Junior Cup was held this year at Shadow Glen Golf Club, October 21-22, 2017. The two-day team competition was between the Kansas City Golf Association and the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association of St. Louis (MAGA). This was the 18th year the Mid-America Junior Cup was played between the two associations.

The first day consisted of Four-Ball matches and the KCGA jumped out to a 3-1 lead! Rosie Klausner & Lauren Wood won the first Four-Ball match 7&6 over Shannon Gould & Lacey Snell of the MAGA. Julia Misemer & Megan Propeck won their match 3&2 for the KCGA. The team of Liam Coughlin & Michael Winslow earned the third and last point of the day by winning 2&1 in their match.

Several inches of rain made the golf course play softer and longer on day two. MAGA came out strong and won the first match of the final day. Max Kreikemeier & Shannon Gould took down Ryan Bender & Lauren Wood 6&5. The KCGA team of Garrett Clark & Rosie Klausner won 6&4. MAGA won the final two matches 5&3 and 4&2 to end the Mid-America Junior Cup in a 4-4 tie.

The KCGA won the cup in 2016, and with a tie this year, the KCGA retains the cup! Great playing by both teams. Thanks again to Shadow Glen for hosting this year’s tournament and to all volunteers and staff. We look forward to heading to St. Louis next year!